Planning a safe evacuation route can mean the difference between life and death during a house fire. Knowing how long it may take to reach an exit helps you rehearse a realistic drill. This calculator provides a simple estimate so you can refine your plan. Measure the distance from bedrooms to your nearest exit, consider how quickly you and family members can move, and add any time needed to unlock or open doors.

The estimated escape time follows:

Here, $D$ is the path length in meters, $S$ is the average walking speed in meters per second, and $O$ is the delay to open doors or windows. The equation assumes clear hallways and a calm pace. In real emergencies, smoke and panic reduce speed, so it’s wise to build extra margin.

Once you know the approximate time, practice monthly with your household. Crawl low if smoke is present, and ensure everyone can reach the exit quickly. Familiarity with the route is crucial when visibility is low. Keep exits unobstructed and plan an outside meeting point away from the building.